Diverse books that have been reviewed on The Candid Cover.
Internment by Samira Ahmed is a horrifying glimpse into the future, as it portrays an internment camp for Muslim Americans. The book is filled with tension, and the main character is dauntless in her fight for freedom. The believability of the story also enhances its influence. I would consider this to be a must-read as it contains such an important message. Continue reading
Happy Valentine’s Day! Today I am sharing reviews for Prom Kings by Tony Correia and Marly’s Ghost by David Levithan. These YA contemporaries are short, sweet, and perfect for your Valentine’s Day TBR. Continue reading
Title: 29 Dates
Jisu's traditional South Korean parents are concerned by what they see as her lack of attention to her schoolwork and her future. Working with Seoul's premiere matchmaker to find the right boyfriend is one step toward ensuring Jisu's success, and going on the recommended dates is Jisu's compromise to please her parents while finding space to figure out her own dreams. But when she flubs a test then skips out on a date to spend time with friends, her fed-up parents shock her by shipping her off to a private school in San Francisco. Where she'll have the opportunity to shine academically—and be set up on more dates!
Navigating her host family, her new city and school, and more dates, Jisu finds comfort in taking the photographs that populate her ever-growing social media account. Soon attention from two very different boys sends Jisu into a tailspin of soul-searching. As her passion for photography lights her on fire, does she even want to find The One? And what if her One isn't parent and matchmaker approved?
❃ I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. ❃
I was intrigued when I first saw 29 Dates by Melissa de la Cruz since I don’t know much about Korean culture, and the story sounded super cute. It tells the story of a girl who goes on dates set up by a matchmaker, and I loved reading about each of her 29 dates. The main character is also enjoyable, and I would say that this is the perfect pick-me-up. Continue reading
Title: Snow in Love
What's better than one deliciously cozy, swoon-worthy holiday story? Four of them, from some of today's bestselling authors.
From KASIE WEST, a snowy road trip takes an unexpected detour when secrets and crushes are revealed.
From AIMEE FRIEDMAN, a Hanukkah miracle may just happen when a Jewish girl working as a department store elf finds love.
From MELISSA DE LA CRUZ, Christmas Eve gets a plot twist when a high school couple exchange surprising presents.
From NIC STONE, a scavenger hunt amid the holiday crowds at an airport turns totally romantic.
So grab a mug of hot cocoa, snuggle up, and get ready to fall in love...
As an avid fan of any book about the holidays, I was thrilled when I heard about Snow in Love by Melissa de la Cruz, and so many other amazing authors. This anthology is comprised of stories from some of my favourite authors, and each story is so cute. My personal favourite had to be Nic Stone’s work. This book is the perfect thing to get you ready for the festive season. Continue reading
Title: Leah on the Offbeat (Creekwood #2)
Leah Burke—girl-band drummer, master of deadpan, and Simon Spier’s best friend from the award-winning Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda—takes center stage in this novel of first love and senior-year angst.
When it comes to drumming, Leah Burke is usually on beat—but real life isn’t always so rhythmic. An anomaly in her friend group, she’s the only child of a young, single mom, and her life is decidedly less privileged. She loves to draw but is too self-conscious to show it. And even though her mom knows she’s bisexual, she hasn’t mustered the courage to tell her friends—not even her openly gay BFF, Simon.
So Leah really doesn’t know what to do when her rock-solid friend group starts to fracture in unexpected ways. With prom and college on the horizon, tensions are running high. It’s hard for Leah to strike the right note while the people she loves are fighting—especially when she realizes she might love one of them more than she ever intended.
❃ I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. ❃
I have been dying for Leah on the Offbeat by Becky Albertalli ever since I finished Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda long ago. This book is everything I had hoped for, and it follows Leah who is navigating senior year and bisexuality. Leah is so likeable, and the friendship in the book is goals. It is safe to say that this story does not disappoint. Continue reading